Samsung shook up the smartphone world again in 2018, unveiling the Galaxy S9 and S9+. These two devices took everything great about their predecessors and pushed it further. But as always, people are wondering: the difference between Samsung Galaxy S9 vs S9+? And which one should you go for?
1. Samsung Galaxy S9 vs S9+ – What’s the Difference about Design?
Samsung Galaxy S9+ takes everything great about the S9 but the most obvious difference is size. The S9 has a 5.8-inch display, while the S9+ expands to 6.2 inches.
When the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ arrived 7 years ago, there was one big question to answer: Is the S9 much better than the S8?
The Galaxy S9 and S9+ look quite similar to their predecessors. Samsung kept the stunning curved glass design but refined the details to improve aesthetics and usability.
- The fingerprint sensor has been moved below the camera instead of beside it, which previously frustrated users.
- The bezels of the Galaxy S9 and S9+ are slightly thinner. The top bezel on the S9 measures 8.18mm, shaving off 0.48mm from the S8, and the bottom is slimmer at 6.96mm, down 0.76mm. The S9+ follows suit, with the top bezel at 8.21mm and the bottom at 6.99mm, losing 1.01mm. These reductions contribute to a sleeker, more modern design.
With a slimmer profile, enhanced Infinity Display, and less wasted space, the S9 and S9+ feel more elegant and comfortable in hand.
Read more: How Can You Get Free Samsung Galaxy Government Phones
2. Samsung Galaxy S9 vs S9+ Specs – What’s the Difference about Performace?
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy S9 | Samsung Galaxy S9+ |
| Processor | Octa-Core (2.7GHz, 1.7GHz) | Octa-Core (2.7GHz, 1.7GHz) |
| Display Size | 5.8″ (full rectangle) / 5.6″ (rounded) | 6.2″ (full rectangle) / 6.1″ (rounded) |
| Resolution | 2960 x 1440 (Quad HD+) | 2960 x 1440 (Quad HD+) |
| Display Type | Dual Edge Super AMOLED | Dual Edge Super AMOLED |
| Rear Camera | 12 MP (F1.5/F2.4 Dual Aperture) | 12 MP (F1.5/F2.4 Dual Aperture) + 12 MP (F2.4) |
| Front Camera | 8 MP (F1.7, Auto Focus) | 8 MP (F1.7, Auto Focus) |
| Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) | Yes (Rear) | Yes (Rear) |
| Flash | Yes (Rear), No (Front) | Yes (Rear), No (Front) |
| Video Recording | UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) @ 60fps | UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) @ 60fps |
| Slow Motion | 960fps @ HD, 240fps @ FHD | 960fps @ HD, 240fps @ FHD |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB |
| Storage | 64GB (Expandable up to 400GB via microSD) | 64GB (Expandable up to 400GB via microSD) |
| SIM Type | Single SIM (Nano-SIM) | Single SIM (Nano-SIM) |
| USB Interface | USB Type-C (USB 3.1 Gen 1) | USB Type-C (USB 3.1 Gen 1) |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band, MU-MIMO | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band, MU-MIMO |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth v5.0 (LE up to 2 Mbps) | Bluetooth v5.0 (LE up to 2 Mbps) |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | 3.5mm Stereo | 3.5mm Stereo |
| Battery | 3000mAh (Non-removable) | 3500mAh (Non-removable) |
| Dimensions (mm) | 147.7 x 68.7 x 8.5 | 158.0 x 73.8 x 8.5 |
| Weight | 163g | 189g |
The size isn’t the only upgrade.
Camera
The S9 has a single 12MP rear camera, whereas the S9+ adds a second 12MP lens, bringing dual optical image stabilization and 2X optical zoom. This means better low-light performance, crisper zoom shots, and a professional-looking bokeh effect (background blur).
RAM
While the Galaxy S9 only has 4GB of RAM, the S9+ steps up to 6GB.
Battery
The S9+ has a 3,500mAh battery, while the S9 comes with 3,000mAh. That extra means the S9+ lasts longer on a single charge.
Is S9+ better than S9?
It depends on what you’re looking for (battery, size, and more). Both the S9 and S9+ run on the Snapdragon 845 processor (or Exynos 9810, depending on your region). This chipset is faster and has better performance than the one in the S8 series. Both phones support fast charging and wireless charging.
Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ offer three storage options: 64GB, 128GB, and 256 GB. That’s a lot of space for apps, photos, and high-resolution videos. Both support microSD cards up to 400GB.
3. Samsung Galaxy S9 vs S9+ – What’s the Difference in Price?
Sure, smartphone prices continue to rise, but when you break down everything that went into the Galaxy S9 series, it’s easy to see why they didn’t come cheap.
Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ were premium devices when they launched.
- Design: Samsung is known for its brilliant AMOLED screens. The S9 and S9+ Super AMOLED displays delivered stunning colors, deep blacks, and HDR support. Samsung used Gorilla Glass 5 on both sides, curved edges, and an aluminum frame, making them durable and sleek. Water and dust resistance (IP68) was another plus.
- Performance: With the Snapdragon 845 (or Exynos 9810), the S9 and S9+ had one of the fastest processors of their time. The variable aperture camera on both models was good.
- Premium features: The S9 lineup introduced intelligent face scanning, AR Emojis, stereo speakers tuned by AKG, and Dolby Atmos support.
For a cutting-edge smartphone in 2018, the S9 and S9+ were worth the price. Samsung equipped them with some of the best hardware and software features available at the time.
Between the S9 and S9+, is the S9+ worth paying extra for?
Samsung Galaxy S9+ is more expensive than the Galaxy S9. It’s worth the extra cost depending on your needs.
4. How to Get a Free Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+
Who doesn’t love a free phone, especially when it’s a premium model like the Samsung Galaxy S9 or S9+? There are some ways to get a phone without spending too much.
- Many carriers and retailers offer trade-in programs where you can exchange your current device for credit toward a new phone.
- You can easily find online giveaways on social media.
- Participating in government assistance programs. It’s a reliable way to secure a free smartphone.
About the Lifeline program
Lifeline is a government program that helps low-income individuals access affordable mobile services. Not all Lifeline-supported providers include free phones. Some offer this as an exclusive benefit.
One licensed Lifeline provider – AirTalk Wireless, currently offers free Samsung devices to eligible applicants, and the Galaxy S9 and S9+ are available at no cost for eligible customers in California, Oklahoma, Hawaii, and more.
(If we haven’t listed your location here, don’t worry. Just enter your ZIP code on the AirTalk Wireless website and check if these free phones are available in your area).
Besides the S9 series, AirTalk Wireless and some other providers may also offer models like the Galaxy S8, S7, or A-series devices.
Read more: How To Get a Free Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus – The Most Detailed Guide in 2025
Conclusion
The S9 series brings premium design, features, and performance. No matter which one you choose, Samsung Galaxy S9 vs S9+, you’re getting a high-end experience with the eye-catching Infinity Display or the Super Slow-Mo camera.
NOTE: The government does not subsidize devices. Lifeline programs cover basic service costs only. Free or discounted devices, upgrade plans, or top-ups are exclusive benefits provided by AirTalk Wireless as part of our promotional offers. Terms and conditions apply. Limited-time promotion—offers vary by state, stock availability, and eligibility.